Ever since its return with the second season this winter, Solo Leveling has been on a streak of breaking records, with one of its latest accomplishments being the dethroning of One Piece on the giant streaming platform, Crunchyroll. With its soaring popularity and the second season reaching its conclusion, there’s no doubt its momentum will continue to rise. Solo Leveling’s recent achievements and influence highlight the immense impact it has made. In comparison with the Dragon Ball franchise, the anime-adapted manhwa is making similar waves.

The immense impact isn’t about turning the anime industry into one of the main forms of entertainment, Dragon Ball already paved that path and helped the industry reach its peak. The similarity lies in how Dragon Ball elevated Shōnen Jump manga to a whole new level, just as Solo Leveling is doing for its main medium: popularizing manhwa and their anime adaptations.

Solo Leveling Has the Same Effect as Dragon Ball

Just as Dragon Ball Popularized Shōnen Jump, Solo Leveling Is Doing the Same With Manhwa

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball isn’t known for having the best lore or animation but for the unique vibe and energy it provided back in its heyday, drawing fans into the anime and manga industry. Its influence remains strong, as any new manga or anime adaptation from Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump is met with an established and eager fan base. Similarly, Solo Leveling is shaping the manhwa industry in the same way, with more fans eagerly anticipating manhwa-to-anime adaptations.

When Solo Leveling first began to gain popularity, its impact on the manhwa industry was undeniable. Many manhwa followed in its footsteps, adopting similar themes of leveling up or a weak protagonist rising to become the strongest. Meanwhile, a recent announcement in a adapt 20 webtoons into anime.

It’s no coincidence that these developments became possible after Solo Leveling’s massive success, the series’ popularity deserves credit for paving the way. Because of this, comparing Solo Leveling to the current "Big Three" doesn’t quite make sense. The series stands on a higher platform, much like Dragon Ball, which was never truly considered part of a "Big Three" but instead existed in a league of its own.

Why Solo Leveling Is Making a Big Impact Like Dragon Ball?

Both Series Share a Key Factor That Drives Their Success

At first glance, it’s clear that the immense popularity of both Dragon Ball and Solo Leveling doesn’t stem solely from their narratives. The key factor lies in how both series introduced a sense of originality. Dragon Ball’s most defining and influential aspect is its portrayal of character transformations. Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation remains, even decades later, one of the most iconic moments in the anime and manga industry.

Goku’s transformation is visually striking, serving as a symbol of his growth, a key element that has undeniably contributed to the franchise’s lasting success. Meanwhile, Solo Leveling gained popularity through its emphasis on continuous self-improvement, a concept that deeply resonated with viewers and motivated them in much the same way Goku’s transformation did.

As a result, Dragon Ball and Solo Leveling have become more than just series; they represent symbolic milestones in the industry, leaving an impact that few others achieve due to their lack of a similar defining element. Solo Leveling's impact on the manhwa industry accomplished what even Dragon Ball could not.

Solo Leveling's Popularity Generated a Whole New Subculture

Many Manhwas Emerged, Following Solo Leveling’s Name and Concept

Solo Leveling's popularity indeed stems from a key factor: the protagonist’s journey of leveling up alone. The claim that its rise to fame began with the anime adaptation is incorrect. When the light novel was first adapted into a webtoon manhwa, its success led to a wave of similar works following the same concept. Solo Leveling’s influence extended beyond just its premise of a lone protagonist growing stronger: the title itself, particularly the word "Solo," became iconic.

Many manhwas emerged, incorporating "Solo" or "I Alone" in their titles, such as Solo Glitch Player, I Alone, The Lone Spellcaster, The Lone Necromancer, Leveling Up Alone, and Solo Eating to Overpowered. While their foundations differed, they all embraced the essence of Solo Leveling. This serves as clear proof that Solo Leveling is as influential today as Dragon Ball was in its prime, shaping the future of the anime and manhwa industry.